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Looking Back; Looking Ahead

by Mary Stella on December 30, 2013

2013 has been a pretty outstanding year. It’s difficult to imagine that 2014 can be even better, but as I sit here poised to enter the new year, I’m thinking, “Why the hell not?” Why shouldn’t the year ahead bring me even more joy? Why shouldn’t I accomplish even more things that I want to try and enjoy? Why should I limit my experiences and adventures if exploring them will engender even more happiness?

Why the hell not, indeed?

Last year I shared that I don’t make resolutions. In my post of 12/31/2012, I discussed some things I wanted to at least shoot for accomplishing, mostly in broad definitions. Here are the things I discussed, typed in italics, and a little report on how I think I did:

Practice my Tai Chi at home more often. I do indeed work on my Tai Chi more often at home, if not every day. friends and I also get together at work when possible and do a set.)

I’m going to drink more fluids each day than I have been. I think I accomplish this most days.

I’m going to continue exercising the way that I have been, stepping up as I get more fit. I need to get in more work on my arms and butt, too. (Heck to the yeah, I’m doing this!)

As much as I hate keeping a food log, I’m going to write down my food at some point every day. If I’m going to be honest, I was sporadic. There were periods of time when I consistently tracked my food on a daily basis for weeks at a time. Then, I’d fall off for a few weeks. Now I’m getting back to daily tracking.

I’m going to tackle The Room of Hopeless Clutter, step by step, and finally clear it. This continues to be a work in progress. I’ve made some progress but it’s by no means cleared. Let’s roll this one over, okay?

I want to work with my dogs more than I did this last year. In improving myself, I didn’t focus on them as much as I should. Thankfully, they’re reaping some benefit from my increased walking. That’s something that will definitely continue. Yes, I’ve addressed this. Nat and Pyxi get a couple of good walks a day now.

Other suggestions include experiencing more of the things that are on my Promise List, continuing to practice good self-care with medical appointments, skin care, wearing sun block, and treating myself to things I enjoy like facials and therapeutic massages. Well, let’s see. I checked off Hawaii, ziplining, paddleboarding, taking my friends snorkeling on my boat, and a few other things. I did my annual check up, mammogram and other medical necessities. My skin care regime is consistent, including wearing sun block. I also get in for more regular facials and massages. So, check-check-check-etc.

Then there’s a category for “Things I Might Like to Try But Am Not Definitely Committing to at This Time”. Let’s put Pilates and Spinning Class in that category. I never got to the Pilates consult, but I bought that machine and gave it a try. I don’t love it. While I also never got to a Spinning Class, I bought myself a bicycle and use it regularly for exercise. That counts!

This was my conclusion in last year’s end-of-year post: Every day I’m going to live my life like it matters, like I matter, because I do. Life is good and, no matter what, I’m going to keep it that way.

I think this last was the most important intention/goal of all. I’m proud to say that this is indeed how I live my life — like I matter. I’m truly happy that I achieved this and continue to live it.

So, what would I like to work on in 2014? I’m going to hit goal weight, there is no question of that in my mind. I will continue to make progress on the room of doom. I’m going to maintain my fitness efforts. I’m also going to make an effort to socialize more. All of this self-improvement is hard work. It also takes up time. I need to find a way to balance the different areas of my life more. That’s a goal.

Most importantly, I’m going to continue with what I proposed, and have accomplished. I will continue to live my life with quality, treating myself with respect and knowing that I matter.

If I don’t make it on to post tomorrow, let me be the first to wish all of you a Happy New Year. From the bottom of my heart I wish good fortune, health and happiness in 2014.

Man, when you move into this mode, you inspire the hell out of me! Your optimism, your successes, your acknowledgement and acceptance of areas where you are less than successful and your determination to to better: they shine as brightly as the Florida sun! And I think I might be in a place where I can take this inspiration, and the energy it lights in me, and put it to active use. I love when you do this!

Happy New Year, dear, and thank you so, so much for sharing your journey and your life with us!